By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, former governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserhieme Osunbor, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct the elections in a way that would inspire confidence in the people.

“We expect that the presidential election will be free, fair, credible, and devoid of violence. INEC should conduct the elections in such a way that would inspire confidence in people so that the results that would be announced at the end of the day will reflect the will of the electorate,” he said.

The former governor, who fielded questions from newsmen in Uromi at the thanksgiving service by Rev. Matthew Okpeholo on his recent achievements, also said that President Goodluck Jonathan ranked shoulder high above his co-presidential candidate as he has more to show in terms of achievements

“In this era, people look at performance, they look at track records and I think people will look at the performance, track records and achievements of the two presidential candidates and indeed others that are in the race. And at the end of the day, they will vote for who they feel can accomplish more in their lives and there is no doubt that on that score, President Jonathan will have more to show and would have an advantage, not to mention the incumbency advantage.

“So, let’s just watch and pray that everything works out well, that the elections themselves will be violence free and Nigerians will be able to avoid all the fears that people are expressing that 2015 will come with a lot of problems. I hope that as God has been with Nigeria in times past, He will be with Nigeria in 2015, so that we surmount whatever difficulties people may entertain at this point in time,” he said.

On his governorship ambition, he said: “I take this opportunity to tell Edo people that I am available to answer their call. I thank you for recognising what we did when we were there for a very short period. The massive goodwill that I have continued to enjoy is an encouragement for me to do more and by the grace of God and through the efforts of Edo people, if I am given the mandate once again, I will do more.”